I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to offend - I was sincerely curious. Those quotes were not intending to drive an agenda and I didn't think any of them were taken out of context. For what its worth those quotes range from AA Hodge, to Calvin, to Michael Horton. I think you'll also notice a quote from the Larger Catechism as well as from the Scots Confession. I even quoted Calvin's catechism for small children. None of those things are easy to take out of context.

My point is this - I've studied a great deal of reformed and lutheran theology. Unfortunately, I've rarely had the opportunity to discuss the theology with a broader spectrum of those claiming loyalty to particularly the reformed confessions. I understand what many "say" is reformed theology but my problem is that when I read large tracts of Calvin, Horton, Hodge, etc. I don't see many distinctions between there views and Lutheran theology.

Of course, reformed/presbyterian is not a monolith. My impression is that most reformed/presbyterian take a more Zwinglian view of the sacraments, particularly Baptism.

What I'm hoping - or seeking - is to see if those on this board would say they agree or disagree with Calvin/Hodge/Horton, etc. I suspect that if any of those three say something different than someone else's view of the confessions that they will disagree.

So here it is - it seems to me there is a subset of those who are confess the three forms of unity who tend to interpret it with a more Lutheran bent. I think others, particularly those more apt to subscribe to the Westminster standards are more Zwinglian.

Personally - I would like to try and find ways to seek commonality between the Reformed and Lutheran. I think the above quotes start building a bridge to get there.

Of course - since this isn't a total hijack of the original post. The quote above from Calvin I think buttresses my argument that even he would agree that one can look to his Baptism (as suggested in my initial syllogism) for assurance. I think that is something very different from looking to our works or to the spirit with in us. The White Horse Inn most recently had full program that makes that very point.

Well - again, sorry to offend. I really thought the quotes would be useful and am disappointed I was not given the benefit of the doubt.

__________________
Chad Hamilton
Peace With Christ (LCMS)
Fort Collins, Colorado